Grigore Counselling & Associates

What is the success rate of EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become an increasingly popular therapeutic approach for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. One of the key questions is what is the success rate of EMDR?

As many aspects influence this, we’ll comment some data, factors that affect the outcome, and how EMDR compares to other forms of therapy. Of course, we’ll give you our perspective as we practice daily EMDR therapy in Surrey.

The basics first: what is EMDR?

Before discussing the actual success rate of EMDR, it’s essential to understand what EMDR therapy is.

EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation—most commonly eye movements, though tapping and auditory tones can also be used—to help reprocess distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require extensive verbal exploration of traumatic events but rather focuses on the brain’s ability to heal itself.

The therapy works through an eight-phase process, which includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Each phase is structured to help the client work through traumatic memories, ultimately allowing for emotional relief and cognitive shifts.

What is the success rate of EMDR:

The success rate of EMDR therapy has been widely studied and documented. According to studies, EMDR has shown a success rate of up to 77-90% for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is significantly higher than many other therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and traditional talk therapy. EMDR has also been effective for treating a wide range of conditions beyond PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and panic disorders.

For example, a study found that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after just six sessions of EMDR therapy. This shows that the success rate of EMDR can be incredibly high, particularly for individuals dealing with trauma.

What factors affect the success rate of EMDR?

While the success rate of EMDR is generally high, it’s important to also recognize that several factors can influence the outcome of therapy.

These factors can affect how quickly a client responds to EMDR treatment and how many sessions they may need.

1. Severity complexity of trauma

The severity and complexity of a client’s trauma can significantly impact the success rate of EMDR. Those with single-incident traumas, such as car accidents or assaults, tend to respond more quickly to EMDR than those with complex trauma, such as long-term abuse or neglect.

While individuals with complex trauma may still benefit from EMDR, they often require more sessions to achieve the same results.

2. Number of sessions

The number of EMDR sessions required varies from person to person. This is important, as at our EMDR therapy clinic we really want to set realistic expectations.

In our experience, some clients report significant improvements after as few as 5-6 sessions, while others may need 20-30 hours of therapy to see significant changes.

For clients with more severe or complex trauma, the therapy may take 40-50 hours to complete. This wide variation is normal, and it’s essential for clients to understand that their progress may follow a bell curve, with most people falling somewhere in the middle range of session requirements.

At Grigore Counselling in Surrey, most clients typically require between 3-6 months of weekly 1-2 hour sessions to see significant changes in their lives. However, there are options for accelerated treatment. EMDR intensives (which we call Total Immersion EMDR)—where sessions are longer (2-6 hours) and / or more frequent (up to 4 times per week)—can drastically reduce the number of sessions needed. Over 70 clients (at the time of this article) have completed their EMDR journey in under a week with this approach.

3. Client’s readiness and willingness to engage

A client’s readiness to confront their trauma and actively engage in the therapy process also influences the success rate of EMDR. Individuals who are open and willing to engage in the therapy tend to have better outcomes. It’s important for the client to feel safe and supported during therapy, as this will allow them to fully engage with the process and work through their trauma.

4. Therapist expertise

The therapist’s experience and training in EMDR can also impact the success rate. A certified and well-trained EMDR therapist is more likely to help a client achieve successful outcomes. That’s why at Grigore Counselling all therapists are certified and have extensive experience working with a wide range of clients using EMDR.

How does EMDR compare to other therapies?

When considering the success rate of EMDR, it’s helpful to compare it to other therapeutic modalities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often cited as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, but EMDR has been shown to be more effective in certain cases. Studies have demonstrated that EMDR often achieves faster results, with fewer sessions needed compared to CBT; and unlike CBT, EMDR requires no homework on behalf of the client (contributing to a higher completion rate, and therefore higher success rate compared to CBT).

For example, one study found that 67% of individuals treated with EMDR no longer had PTSD after only three sessions, compared to 29% in the CBT group. Additionally, a review of 26 randomized controlled trials found that EMDR was superior to other trauma-focused therapies in reducing symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. This makes EMDR an attractive option for those seeking faster, more effective treatment for trauma.

Success stories: real-world outcomes of EMDR

The success rate of EMDR is more than just statistics; it’s also reflected in the real-world experiences of clients. Many individuals report life-changing results after completing EMDR therapy. One of the most common reports is a significant reduction in anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and a sense of relief from intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to traumatic experiences.

At Grigore Counselling, many clients share that they experienced breakthroughs after years of feeling stuck in traditional therapy. Unlike other forms of therapy, which can take years to show noticeable improvements, clients in EMDR therapy often report feeling better after just a few months. You can read more of our reviews here.

So is EMDR for me?

As you see, the success rate of EMDR is impressive, with studies showing that up to 90% of clients experience relief from PTSD and other mental health conditions after completing EMDR therapy.

For that, if you’re looking for a long-term treatment plan or a faster route to healing, EMDR can provide life-changing results. But the first step will always be reaching out to your therapist. You may start your EMDR journey with us by booking an appointment.

Is Virtual EMDR Effective? Exploring the Possibilities of Online Therapy

In today’s digital age, online therapy has become increasingly popular as a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional in-person therapy sessions. One specific form of online therapy that has gained traction is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). But can virtual EMDR be as effective as the traditional in-person treatment? This article delves into this question, exploring the possibilities and potential effectiveness of online therapy using EMDR.

The Surprising Side Effects of EMDR: What You Need to Know

If you’re seeking a unique and effective therapy for overcoming trauma or anxiety, you may have come across a treatment called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). While EMDR is widely known for its ability to reduce the negative impact of traumatic experiences, did you know it can also have some surprising side effects? In this article, we’ll explore the lesser-known effects of EMDR that you need to be aware of.

How to find a qualified EMDR therapist near you?

In a nutshell, finding a qualified EMDR therapist near you is crucial for ensuring you receive the best care possible. But you already know that. So this article will guide you through the steps to find an ideal match in the Surrey area, where Grigore Counselling offers advanced EMDR therapy.

Let’s Talk EMDR!

Are EMDR Intensives Hyped Or Effective? Find Out From The Master Himself

EMDR enthusiasts, brace yourselves! Ever pondered the buzz around EMDR intensives? Curious to know if the hype is backed by real effectiveness? Well, hold onto your curiosity hats because we’ve got a treat for you. Step into the enlightening realm of ‘Let’s Talk EMDR,’ the captivating podcast powered by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) hosted by Kim Howard.

In a recent episode, the spotlight was on none other than Robert A. Grigore, a certified EMDR therapist and consultant. The topic of discussion? EMDR therapy intensives—the subject that can be a game-changer. As someone who had the chance to learn from this podcast, I’m excited to share my insights with you. Get ready to uncover the truth straight from the master himself as we navigate through a conversation that unveils the secrets and insights behind the curtain.

How Did Robert Become An EMDR Therapist?

Robert’s journey is certainly not what you may be expecting (He was not born with the love for EMDR like every other therapist says). His journey started off as a talk therapist, but after spending as long as almost 3 years on a client and still not getting the results was when he thought to himself that something was off. Then somehow, he learned about EMDR and started taking professional training for it.

And no, this was not a love-at-first-sight kind of situation. Just like many of you, Grigore also thought to himself that EMDR was a ridiculous invention and that just tapping was not going to help anyone. It was actually when someone like you and me, one from his clients, saw a huge shift in their mindset. In just 3 EMDR sessions, his client went from the mindset of killing his abuser to having a civil conversation with him. That’s huge, and that’s exactly what Robert felt. Now, let’s get to the main discussion where Robert and Kim discussed the EMDR intensives.

What Are EMDR Intensives?

Our therapist talks about “two levers” to be pulled regarding EMDR intensives. First, is the “duration lever,” meaning how long the session is. With an EMDR intensive, the duration may be quite a bit longer than the average session, which is typically 50-60 minutes. Robert’s EMDR intensive sessions range from anything between 2 to 6 hours. The second “lever” to be pulled is the “frequency lever,” meaning how many times per week are you seen by your therapist? Pulling one lever or the other dramatically increases speed, but pulling both levers supercharges the results according to Robert. But is going this far, this intensive, really worth it? Hear it from Robert!

Are EMDR Intensives Really Effective?

According to Robert, 37 out of his 39 EMDR-intensive clients saw a tremendous change in their lives. He also shared the experience of his client Mike who served as a successful financial consultant for decades until COVID happened, and he lost a bunch of businesses all at once.

After almost 17 hours of frequent 1.5-hour sessions, Mike went from having suicidal thoughts to living life to the fullest again and running a non-profit organization. Of course, the details are missing here, and the process must have so much more to it, but what we do know from this is that EMDR intensives are effective.

Robert busted two myths about EMDR intensives for his audience:

  1. It’s Dangerous.
  2. Anyone Can Do It.

To support what he was saying, Robert quoted a study conducted by Mendez et al., 2018, who used a modified approach of a previous study and conducted 5-day intensive EMDR therapy on 12 patients.

All patients received 90-minute-long sessions twice daily, and at the end of the study, significantly reduced their symptoms. The intensives are not harmful, but anyone performing the intensives might be harmful because not every therapist or clinician is trained enough to take a client through 2-6 hours sessions a day, 3-5 days in a row. So, the right kind of knowledge, training, and clinical experience is very important to get the right results.

Robert believes that we have a long way to go before we overcome cultural differences and people become more aware of the benefits of EMDR therapy. For this purpose, he has been working with his colleagues to put together some cultural training to shift perspectives. He also shared his favorite free resources for you all to utilize and get help from. Sign up for his free eBook “You Need Therapy. EMDR: Real People With Real Problems Getting Real Help” here. Or grab the physical copy on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com.

Here’s The Catch

All in all, our host and guest reached the conclusion that not every therapy is for everyone. But Robert says that the quick turnaround time of intensive EMDR therapy is a favourite aspect that he and over 40 clients (at the time of the podcast) have similar feelings about. With this accelerated approach to therapy, clients no longer have to wait for years or even months for results. And Robert’s anecdotal evidence seems to mirror the research, indicating the low drop out rates for clients when undergoing intensive EMDR therapy (meaning, most who start the treatment end up completing it because it’s so short).

All in all, EMDR is an excellent approach for anyone looking to overcome past traumas, insecurities, and fears. But EMDR intensives seem to take it to the next level. You can listen to the complete podcast here. Take control of who you want to be and how you want to live your life.

EMDR Vs. EFT – Which Should I Choose to Heal My Trauma?

The National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) has cited EMDR as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression (SAMHSA’s NREPP, 2011). At the same time, EFT is also a treatment widely supported by evidence, as per a paper published after comparing the results of 23 randomized control trials (Dawson Church, 2013). And so the debate of EMDR Vs. EFT arises. This has been a long overdue debate, but I wanted to spend my sweet time comparing both before I took any side. And now I’m here with the results to help you figure out your side.

How Well Supported Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Technique, summarized as EMDR, is a technique used by certified therapists and psychologists to target past events that trigger disturbances. It typically uses eye movements to help process and heal from trauma. 7 out of 10 studies have supported EMDR therapy as more rapid-acting and more effective than trauma-focused therapy (Perm J. et al., 2014). But how? Today, let me tell you about the science behind EMDR and how it actually works.

Science Behind EMDR

Neuroscientists are of the opinion that EMDR is similar to REM sleep (dream). Your therapist will ask you to move your eyes from side to side while you focus on a traumatic memory or emotion. This is similar to the movement of the eyes during dreaming. EMDR slows down your overstimulated amygdala, which is a small part of your brain and your emotion’s major processing center.

Your brain waves now synchronize in a way that the stuck traumatic memories are reactivated and repeated until they become unstuck and less traumatic memories. Also, I see that many people are curious as to if they’ll cry during their session.

Honestly, this varies from person to person. I’ve seen people cry their hearts out during the session, but it’s certainly not because the process is painful. People cry both out of sadness and relief, but it’s helpful either way as you get to release the emotional stress.

EMDR Vs. EFT

Neuroplasticity and Lasting Effects of EMDR

Another intriguing aspect of EMDR is its connection to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Several studies have suggested that EMDR’s eye movement component might play a role in enhancing neuroplasticity, aiding in the reprocessing of traumatic memories. A study published in the ” Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry” (Lee & Cuijpers, 2013) found that EMDR led to significant reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and these improvements were maintained even at follow-up assessments. This suggests that EMDR’s effects may not only be rapid-acting but also have a lasting impact on the brain’s ability to process and cope with traumatic experiences. The combination of clinical support, scientific research, and endorsement from renowned figures, underscores EMDR’s position as a well-established therapeutic approach for addressing trauma-related challenges.

EFT For Your Traumas

Over the last two decades, the Emotional Freedom Technique EFT has made huge progress as the once-fringe therapy is now widely accepted. Gary Craig is the founder and developer of EFT, and this technique is relatively new (1990). During EFT, a person taps various meridian parts of their body as they focus on their traumatic memories. This technique mainly works by focusing on how to clear the blockages in your body’s energy systems, which in turn helps to reduce the intensity of negative emotions.

In EMDR Vs. EFT, EFT has no sounds or eye movements involved, unlike in EMDR. During an EFT session, the client keeps repeating a specific phrase related to their traumatic memory and keeps tapping on a specific body part while doing so. A study of 5000 patients seeking treatment for anxiety in the form of EFT and CBT showed that 90% of the patients receiving EFT showed an improvement in their state (J Evid et al., 2019).

The Underlying Principles of EFT

EFT, also known as tapping therapy, is an approach combining the elements of acupuncture, psychology, and energy medicine. The idea behind this technique is that our human body contains a system of energy meridians that are similar to those in traditional Chinese medicine. Negative emotions create imbalances in the body’s energy system that lead to a variety of psychological and physiological symptoms.

Gently using your fingertips to apply pressure on various acupuncture points helps balance the energy flow and release emotional distress. This is because these body points are assumed to be connected to the body’s energy meridians. If you’re not someone who believes in negative and positive energy etc., then EFT is not for you.

EMDR Vs. EFT

Is EFT Really So Good?

The best part of EFT is that you can easily do it at home without the presence of your therapist. But that’s also a downside as the presence of an expert is always a good idea in case something unusual happens. Some therapists even use EFT in combination with EMDR to help achieve the desired results.

One of the demerits of EFT is that I couldn’t find a lot of studies to back it up. And most of the studies I found were rather small and not detailed, which makes me question the scientific credibility of EFT. Many people also believe that the studies that support EFT have flaws in their scientific methods, which, again, puts a question mark on the reliability of the technique. All these points side with EMDR and make it weigh more in the combat of EMDR vs. EFT.

EMDR Vs. EFT – Let’s Compare

The figure below shows a summary of the similarities and dissimilarities in EMDR Vs. EFT. Let’s have a quick look!

EMDR Vs. EFT
EMDR vs. EFT

Here’s The Catch

People like Prince Harry have got results from EMDR, and this technique is also endorsed by other celebrities like Justin Beiber, Demi Lovato, and Lady Gaga. However, ‘The Bionic Woman,’ aka actress Lindsey Wagner has benefited from EFT and is also backed up by names like Dr. Joseph Mercola (Author of Ultimate Wellness) and Devon Allen (US Olympian). So, all in all, both techniques in the EMDR Vs. EFT debate have shown their benefits, and you can’t really go wrong with any one of these.

However, the training process for EFT certification is quite easy, meaning almost anyone can be trained in EFT. While it’s good up to some extent, if you happen to be working with a therapist who did a simple weekend training for EFT, then your situation might worsen. EMDR training, on the other hand, is very detailed, and only a master’s level therapist is eligible to provide EMDR services, so you can rest assured that you’re in the right hands. Either way, don’t forget to work hard on yourself every day!

Brainspotting vs EMDR: Key Differences Between Them

Brainspotting vs EMDR. That is today’s debate. Brainspotting and EMDR are two approaches that have been gaining attention for their ability to help individuals recover from trauma and improve their state.

You might be wondering, Aren’t these the same types? No, you are wrong. And to be honest, it’s not your fault. There are so many types of therapies out there that sometimes even I, as a pharmacist, cannot remember them all.

Often considered to be ‘power therapies’ for people dealing with their past traumas, these innovative therapies show promise in promoting your healing and overall well-being. EMDR and brainspotting have so many similarities, yet you can clearly differentiate between them.

In today’s blog post on Brainspotting vs EMDR, I will help you understand what these therapies are and what differences they hold so that you can make the right decision for yourself.

EMDR

EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that has been proven effective in alleviating the distress caused by stressful or traumatic life experiences. Do you know what it stands for? It stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing” and has been employed by therapists since the 1980s.

The concept of EMDR was initially discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 during a walk in the park. Since then, EMDR has evolved so much that, today, doctors recommend it as an effective treatment in the Practice Guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association.

Well, now you might be wondering how this EMDR thing works… It works by not only moving eyes but also processing trauma stored within the brain. In some cases, hand clapping and audio stimulation are also utilized alongside eye movements.

It assists individuals in releasing their emotions and aiding in the recovery of their minds from memories and anxieties. The treatment typically consists of eight phases that address and eliminate the root cause for one’s emotional distress by desensitizing and reprocessing past experiences, present challenges, and future fears and aspirations.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem in a different manner than EMDR. This is achieved by establishing a connection between eye positions, known as “brain spots”.

In this, your therapist gets access to the levels of your brain. These therapists are trained in Brainspotting and possess the ability to identify the source of an issue through signals emitted by the system.

They simply direct your gaze toward positions that allows you to tap into trauma. By directing your attention to an area in the brain, they can tap into its depths, enabling the processing and release of trauma for long-lasting healing.

Brainspotting vs EMDR – 3 Key Differences

After working as a pharmacist for years, there is one thing I can say for sure in our Brainspotting vs EMDR debate. Knowing what will work for you is important, but knowing what will NOT work for you is more important.

That’s why to choose the right therapy you first need to understand the differences between them.

·       Structured and Flexible Approach

The main key distinction between EMDR and Brainspotting that I think is worth saying is in terms of their approach.

EMDR therapy follows a more structured approach that offers therapists and clients a roadmap for treatment. It encompasses eight phases aimed at addressing events, reducing distress, and instilling positive beliefs.

The therapist begins by collecting information about your trauma history, followed by educating you on the process and what to expect. This activates your target memory, leading to the desensitization and reprocessing phase, ultimately culminating in the installation of beliefs and the complete extinction of the associated symptoms.

On the other hand, Brainspotting takes a personalized approach compared to EMDR’s structured methodology. In this, the therapist does not have any protocol to adhere to, which gives the therapist a little flexibility but may also increase the risk of patient relapse.  

Brainspotting vs EMDR

·       Difference in Relapse Rate

Although both treatments could involve the use of eye movements to treat trauma (EMDR may use other techniques as well), there is an essential difference in the relapse rate of patients.

In EMDR, the relapse rate is statistically extremely low as compared to other therapies. There’s a study that shows that in a follow-up period of more than 1 year, the EMDR group reported fewer problems related to depression and fewer relapses than the control group.

But with Brainspotting, things are a little different. We don’t recommend it as the first step in recovery from trauma. This is because this therapy taps into the unprocessed portion of the brain, without a clear framework to guide patients to adaptive resolution, which increases the risk of potential relapse.

·       Difference in Results

The last key difference worth mentioning in our debate of Brainspotting vs EMDR is in their rate and speed of results.

Extensive research on EMDR supports its effectiveness in addressing a range of issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to a study, EMDR has a confidence level of 95% for the treatment of depressive and traumatic symptoms. Although it does include reliving and re-interpreting those traumatic memories, which might be painful for some, it surely appears to give far better results than any other type.  

Moreover, further studies indicated that compared to other approaches, EMDR obtained clinically-relevant results in far less time and required no homework, medication, or preparation. (Novo Navarro et al., 2018)

In contrast, Brainspotting offers an intuitive therapeutic process that could be beneficial for clients who are looking for an alternative method for working through their trauma.

Conclusion

We all are dealing with some traumatic feelings in our life. No matter how hard we try, it is not easy to heal from them on your own. Thankfully, there are several different therapies out there.

But how do you find out which one will work for you and which one won’t? By knowing the differences between them. That is why I have categorized the difference between two well-known traumatic therapies these days. Brainspotting vs EMDR.

From having a well-structured approach to treating your trauma to an extremely low chance of relapse, EMDR is clearly a better choice in my opinion. It has a ton of evidence-based research to convince you that it can deliver you result.

To learn more or schedule a free consultation at Grigore Counselling & Associates who specialize in achieving accelerated results with advanced EMDR therapy procedures for professionals, you can visit their website: www.grigorecounselling.com.

If you are still not satisfied and want more information, you are always welcomed to read Robert’s Grigore’s book: You NEED Therapy. EMDR: Real People, With Real Problems, Getting Real Help.  

EMDR vs Neurofeedback – Which Therapy Is Right For You?

EMDR vs Neurofeedback; which therapy holds the key to unlocking your inner healing potential? Our main agenda for today is to help you pick one in the battle of EMDR vs Neurofeedback. Yes, the same video game-like therapy you’ve been hearing about for so long.

Many therapists have been recommending the combined use of EMDR and Neurofeedback to achieve maximum results. And so if EMDR was enough, why bother spending your hard-earned money twice? I’ve seen this question circulating a lot on the internet, so I thought I’ll clear it for you once and for all. EMDR vs Neurofeedback, worth the hype or not? Let’s find out.

Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing

A technique used to treat PTSD and many other forms of mental health distress, EMDR standsfor Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a comprehensive form of psychotherapy that helps you recover from your past traumas and negative life experiences. If you think your childhood was saddening and even though you really like your therapist, you haven’t really seen much progress, this therapy is for you!

EMDR has been widely used in a variety of populations like to treat PTSD in veterans from Iraq wars, Afghanistan war, Vietnam var, and even World War II since initial efficacy study in 1989. I’ve read the testimonials of a handful of patients who were not seeing good results despite doing everything in their power. But then came along EMDR and those same patients healed completely in 8-12 sessions.

But don’t just take my word for it. Dr. Justin Havens, an EMDR consultant, says that EMDR has such dramatic results that patients can go from constantly being reminded of negative feelings to feeling like it’s all in the past now. He further adds that EMDR is a good way for you if you’re looking to kickstart your healing journey because you have your therapist by your side at each step.

Hear It From The Prince Himself

EMDR basically works by moving your eyes in a certain way while you process your past traumas. And there’s something about this kind of therapy that The Royal was convinced of its benefits. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has undergone EMDR, and do you know what he has to say about it? He says it is the kind of therapy he always wanted to try and that EMDR has helped him feel calmer than ever.

What Prince further had to say about EMDR was that it helped him find new strength in him, and that’s why I think he probably decided to come out about him being in therapy. His openness created a positive ripple effect, making it easier for more and more people to seek the support they need. Especially considering the concerning statistic that one in every 6 young people is going through a depressive episode. The tapping you can see in the picture below is a part of the process.

EMDR vs neurofeedback

Neurofeedback

Now, let’s talk about neurofeedback, shall we? Neurofeedback therapy is a type of biofeedback therapy that focuses on teaching the subjects self-control of brain function. This isn’t a new therapy; in fact, the use of neurofeedback goes back to the 1950s when it was used by NASA to train astronauts (they still do so, though).

This kind of therapy is used to improve brain functioning and is done by focusing on the neuronal activity of the brain. Neurofeedback utilizes the power of real-time feedback to train your mind, but like every training, it takes time (almost 5-10 sessions for many to observe small changes). It is supposed to be an aid for patients with ADD, ADHD, autism, insomnia, etc.

Are There Possible Side Effects To Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a therapy designed not only to change how you think and feel but also to train your brain to develop healthier patterns of activity and ultimately to function better. And I personally think it’s insanely genius if you can train your brain in a way that it looks for rewards and avoids things that lead to punishments.

But the point is, is neurofeedback really effective? Well, the results of neurofeedback are still a debatable topic. Even if I neglect the low positive results for neurofeedback, how do I ignore the downside that neurofeedback can disturb your normal brain waves? Yes, neurofeedback can stimulate the frequencies of beta or gamma waves which in turn might stimulate your panic, anxiety, or racing thoughts.

EMDR vs Neurofeedback | Pros And Cons

Let’s weigh some pros and cons of EMDR vs neurofeedback so that you can make a better pick for yourself. Starting with EMDR, here we go:

Pros Of EMDR:

  • Highly effective
  • Rapid results
  • Non-invasive
  • Addresses underlying issues
  • Individualized
  • Low risk of harm
  • No medication required
  • No preparation required
  • Endorsed by world-wide health authorities
  • 30+ years of research

Cons Of EMDR:

  • Intensity of progressing
EMDR vs neurofeedback

Pros Of Neurofeedback:

  • Potentially effective
  • Safe to use
  • Lower intensity
  • No medication dependency

Cons Of Neurofeedback:

  • Limited research
  • Costly
  • Time-intensive
  • Variable results
  • Not a cure-all

EMDR vs Neurofeedback. Given the pros and cons of each, whose side do you think weighs more? Some researchers argue that the limited results neurofeedback is giving can partly be due to a placebo effect instead of actual changes in brain functioning, which makes the effectiveness of this treatment further questionable.

EMDR vs Neurofeedback – What’s The Final Verdict?

So, who wins the EMDR vs Neurofeedback debate? I’ll be summarizing today’s discussion on the basis of the following comparison chart. Have a look!

EMDR vs neurofeedback

All in all, EMDR vs neurofeedback both hold their own benefits in the treatment of disorders like ADHD and PTSD. So, do I recommend combined use of Neurofeedback and EMDR? Yes, you can, for improved results.

It is true that there are people who have benefited from this “game from the future” kind of therapy but the lack of scientific evidence and the wide range of side effects seen make me question this. Is it worth taking the risk? Besides, when you have a therapy like EMDR that has even brought 100% success rates in studies, why would you look for an alternative?

Free copy of Robert's book!

Dive deeper into EMDR and learn why You NEED Therapy!  Hint: Robert believes we all need therapy ;)

Inside you’ll discover:

  • Neurobiology of trauma
  • 30+ years of EMDR research
  • EMDR case studies and real client testimonials
  • Detailed overview of EMDR’s 8-Phase Standard Protocol
  • How to find the right EMDR therapist for you (and what to ask them)